Ian Healy says reports England are considering creating shorter boundaries for the Ashes is evidence the Australians are in their opposition's heads ahead of the highly-anticipated series.
England hosts five Test matches starting in June for this year’s Ashes and the hopes of regaining the urn for the first time since 2015.
A contest of chaos versus control is set to ensure, with England’s new aggressive ‘Baz Ball’ style revolutionising Test cricket.
To further accommodate the batters, The Times reports England has discussed shortening the boundaries.
English cricket grounds are already smaller on average than their Australian counterparts.
Australian great Healy couldn’t understand the proposition.
“Boundaries are the least of their worries. Why would they bother?” he said on SENQ Breakfast.
“There’s no need for that.”
Since Brendon McCullum was appointed coach in mid-2022, England has taken on the new style that has seen them record Test series wins over South Africa and Pakistan before drawing with New Zealand.
Combined with Australia’s strong run of form as the no.1 ranked Test side, there’s plenty on the line in the upcoming series.
But the English ‘fear no team’ mantra is under question given the recent reports, according to Healy.
“Mishits will go for six, but that’s okay. Lots of modern-day mishits go for six anyway. I don’t feel that’s anything but clogging up your mind and overthinking too badly,” Healy continued.
The wicketkeeping great also offered a warning to the home side.
“But they would know we’re going to bounce them. We’re coming at their armpits and their chest logos,” he stated.
“So get your chest guards on. They’re going to make those square of the wicket boundaries a little bit shorter so a mishit pull or hook… might carry.”
For men’s Test matches, boundaries must be at least 59 metres square and 64 metres straight.
Ben Stokes has also previously hinted at his desire for quicker wickets, making it easier for batters to score.
“We want fast, flat wickets. We want to go out there and score quickly,” Stokes told Sky Sports last month.
Healy says it’s impossible, yet it wouldn’t disadvantage the Aussies.
“Can’t do it. You can’t do it. You can’t make an English pitch fast,” he remarked.
“That’s okay, they’ll end up being good batting wickets which we’ll love as well. And a flat and fast wicket up front turns into a turning wicket.
“They better be careful they have enough spinners.”
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